Ever since college, I’ve had a heart to speak publicly. I remember when a motivational speaker came to the classroom one day, I was inspired to impact others as he did. Later on when I gave my life to Christ, the desire only grew. I had such a passion for God’s Word and I wanted others to understand it as I was beginning to. I wanted others to feel the way that I was feeling. As I started sharing the Gospel with my friends and teammates, I realized I have a natural gift to encourage and inspire others. Why wouldn’t I want to use this gift for God’s Kingdom?
College was also the time when I was able to really launch into my Christian walk. I gave my life to Christ during a conference I attended with Campus Outreach. There I heard great speakers and my life was transformed radically by the Gospel message. Soon these conferences became a regular part of my journey. I looked forward to the next event where I would grow deeper in my understanding of God’s Word, learn how to practice Scripture memory and prioritize alone time with God, and discover what it means to live missionally. It was in these places that my faith was encouraged and I experienced believers spurring each other on toward God. Our hearts were set on fire, allowing the Spirit to really grow in us.
When I left college and began my career in the NFL, I continued to look for conferences to attend to ignite my faith even further. Tamela and I have been able to continue to grow as missional Christ-followers, learn how to grow in our marriage, and manage our finances in a way that honors Christ through listening to speakers who invest their time in studying God’s Word.
While I’ve been able to do quite a bit of speaking all over the country, I recently realized I’ve never had the opportunity to speak in my hometown of Brandon, Mississippi! Motivated to change that, I discovered that a girl who I used to go to school with there was now a worship leader. I contacted her and asked if she would like to help me put on a conference for people our age in our hometown, and she jumped on board. The Encounter Conference would serve as a revival night in Brandon.
We prayed about what this night would look like, invited more people on board, and went to work, excited to see what God would do. Our vision turned into an amazing night of worship and the Word of God where seven people gave their lives to Christ. We simply wanted to give people the opportunity to encounter Christ through His people and His Word in an authentic way. Passionate about the Gospel, we demonstrated and proclaimed our love for Jesus. This is our main mission in life, and this conference was just one more way we could invite people to the Kingdom of God.
I always want to be willing and ready to do whatever God is calling me to do. There’s always a place, an opportunity, and a platform for each of us to step out in faith to share the Gospel. This is the Great Commission!
“Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in Heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” —Matthew 28:18-20
If I’m able to plant or water a seed for the Gospel, I will. I want the Spirit of God to work in and through me for the glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom. My mission is to live a life that shows I’m not ashamed of the Gospel.
“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” —Romans 1:16
—Demario Davis
Demario Davis is a linebacker with the New York Jets and a regular contributor to The Increase and will be providing monthly articles and opinions.
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